Dubai Ranked #1 Globally for Greenfield FDI: What It Means for Business and Hiring in the UAE
Dubai has claimed the top global spot for greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2024—for the fourth consecutive year. With 1,117 new greenfield projects, it has outpaced cities like Singapore and London, reinforcing its role as the Middle East’s leading business hub. The UAE as a whole ranked 2nd globally, attracting a total of 1,369 new projects across all emirates.
But beyond the headlines lies a more complex reality. While this surge signals global confidence, it also brings challenges for employers, job seekers, and the ecosystem that supports them.
What Are Greenfield FDI Projects?
Greenfield FDI refers to when international companies build new operations from scratch—whether it’s a regional HQ, a manufacturing plant, or a tech lab. These projects are typically long-term investments, requiring local teams, infrastructure, and supply chains.
Dubai’s greenfield FDI generated AED 39.2 billion in capital in 2024 alone. But success isn't just about money—it's about execution, growth readiness, and talent availability.
Why Dubai—and Why Now?
Dubai’s position as #1 reflects years of deliberate strategy:
Free zones, infrastructure, and global connectivity make business setup attractive.
100% foreign ownership, streamlined licensing, and tax-free zones reduce barriers.
Bold economic plans like Dubai D33 and the UAE Centennial 2071 offer clarity and ambition.
The city’s reputation for safety, lifestyle, and ambition continues to attract both businesses and top professionals.
Key sectors drawing investment include:
Technology and AI
Healthcare and pharmaceuticals
Renewable energy
Financial and professional services
Hospitality and wellness tourism
The Other Side of the Boom: Challenges to Consider
This unprecedented growth doesn’t come without strain. Beneath the surface of investment wins, real tensions are emerging for both employers and job seekers.
For Employers:
Fierce competition for specialist talent means salary expectations are rising quickly—especially in tech, finance, and healthcare.
Localisation mandates such as Emiratisation require firms to hire UAE nationals in certain roles, which may be difficult in niche industries.
Visa and compliance processes, though simplified in many areas, still demand time and attention—especially for new entrants unfamiliar with the local landscape.
Rising office rents and operational costs can put pressure on early-stage or cost-sensitive companies.
For Job Seekers:
High cost of living, especially in housing and schooling, can strain professionals without strong relocation packages. In fact, rental costs have risen 16% year-by-year.
Visa dependency remains a reality—losing a job often means a tight window to secure another or leave the country.
Mismatch of expectations is common: not every job offers Western-style benefits, and some sectors have limited local opportunities.
While the UAE has made progress on labour rights, job security and employment protections may feel weaker than in Europe or North America.
What This Means for Hiring in 2025
Greenfield FDI drives one thing more than any other: the need for people. But hiring is becoming more nuanced.
Speed is crucial: Investors want to scale operations quickly, and recruitment must keep pace.
Skill shortages are real: Companies are struggling to find experienced local and expatriate professionals, especially in cybersecurity, AI, product management, healthcare, and compliance.
The need for balance: Companies must meet both global performance standards and local regulatory expectations.
Hospitality and lifestyle sectors, though often overlooked, are also expanding—driven by branded residences, medical tourism, and wellness-focused developments.
At Eagle Partners UAE, we help companies navigate this complexity. From greenfield startups to regional HQs, we support recruitment strategies that align with business goals, local regulations, and realistic hiring timelines.
Final Thoughts
Dubai’s position as the world’s top destination for greenfield FDI is a sign of long-term confidence—but it’s not without friction. Success in this market requires more than capital: it demands cultural intelligence, competitive packages, and talent strategies that are both ambitious and grounded.
For some, now is the time to enter. For others, it may be worth holding back, upskilling, or partnering strategically.
At Eagle Partners UAE, we’re proud to stand at the intersection of growth and guidance—helping organisations and professionals make the right moves in a rapidly evolving market.